keen, chased clear leader, ridden 3 out, led approaching last and hit last, headed flat, no extra
held up, never troubled leaders
held up towards rear, headway from 4 out, kept on not reached leaders
led, soon clear, hit 2nd, ridden 3 out, hit next, headed approaching last, one pace
held up, in rear, headway 4 out, went 3rd over 2 out, ran on to lead flat
always in rear
mid-division, hit 4 out soon weakened
held up, ridden 4 out soon weakened
pulled hard, chased leading pair until 3 out
Duke of Buckingham, Nuit Sombre and Dream Magic are the three that catch the eye in this novices' hurdle and vote is given to Nuit Sombre. The selection was a useful sort on the flat and he made a promising hurdling debut in a much better race than this at Cheltenham when eighth behind Chockdee. He is sure to have come on for that experience and at this more suitable level he should take plenty of beating. Duke of Buckingham reverts to hurdles after racing over the bigger obstacles and with conditions to suit he could be capable of a big run. Dream Magic was a decent type on the flat and this 6-year-old is a tough sort who is entitled to plenty of respect on his hurdling debut. He is sure to have been well-schooled for this and he looks to have solid place claims. Of the remainder, Opening Hymn is from a leading yard and merits a look in the market, but we will stick with Nuit Sombre as our idea of the winner.
